UT Partnerships Unify Toledo
Dedicated to the future of our university city
Achieving visions and helping others at the same time – that’s the philosophy of The University of Toledo.
“The University of Toledo is engaged in the community,” says Lloyd A. Jacobs, MD, president of The University of Toledo. “Our partnerships replenish the economy and improve the lives of the people who live here.” Current collaborations provide legal and health care services for the underserved, help stimulate economic development, educate the community, and more.
“Giving back to the community is an instrumental part of our values at UT,” says Aaron Baker, government relations specialist. “We believe it’s our responsibility to help uplift the community.”
Law School clinical programs give back
“Experts have long reported that the vast majority of low income families have no access to essential legal services,” says Rob Salem, clinical professor of law at The University of Toledo College of Law. “That’s why it’s so important for the law schools to educate students on their public service responsibilities.”
While the clinics help community members, students also benefit from the practical education they get by working on real cases for people in need. “It’s amazing to see how motivated students are to help people,” says Salem. “And along the way they learn about law.” Supervision in every aspect of client representation helps students troubleshoot and develop the skills they will need after graduating.
Law students and faculty are also giving back to the community in less traditional ways. “For example, our students have consulted with local school districts on how to develop anti-bullying policies for their students,” says Salem. “We’ve trained more than 1,000 teachers on how to prevent, identify and address bullying. This is a great experience for students and it has a far reaching impact.”
Urban Affairs Center enhances quality of life
More than 25 years ago, UT’s Urban Affairs Center was established to address key issues in the community. Today, according to Neil Reid, director of the Urban Affairs Center, passionate UT faculty and researchers, local business owners, citizens and community leaders are coming together to help identify challenges and develop solutions for the greater Toledo area.
They are currently working to implement a cluster-based economic development strategy, creating and conducting surveys to assist with policy-making, and developing data about the community. The group also publishes books that celebrate the region’s unique identity and help to conduct free downtown tours.
UT is an advocate for the underserved
After getting her degree from UT, Cordelia Martin served as a social worker for 18 years. She raised 12 children and still had room in her heart for an entire community. She worked hard, challenging the city to offer health care to the underserved. Her efforts were successful, and the Cordelia Martin Health Center opened in 1971.
As a partner with the non-profit association, UT helps the community get access to the most advanced health care. The UT College of Pharmacy operates the center’s pharmacy and hosts events to remind the community to support health care needs of the underserved.
University libraries improve the human condition
To enhance and support life-long learning, UT has seven libraries to satisfy hungry minds. One library that has people from all over the world inquiring is UT’s Carlson Library, home to the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections. The center features an extensive collection on glass, an important industry of Toledo’s past, present and future. Thanks to the library, collectors, appraisers and businesses worldwide have access to this community jewel.
The UT libraries also offer students across the country access to collections through their online services and holdings. As a student, being able to read materials when off-campus is vital, particularly as a distance-learning student. University libraries offer all students access to search databases and even some eBooks and magazine articles. With so much availability online and on campus, UT’s libraries are accomplishing their mission to improve the human condition through learning, discovery and engagement.
Through these and other efforts, UT has dedicated itself to helping the Toledo region. But UT leaders don’t just want to stop there. “We’re doing serious self-evaluation about our community engagement,” says Baker. “We always want to improve and evolve.”
UT recently applied for Community Engagement Classification from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification would recognize UT’s efforts and successful community engagements and promote the development of ongoing programs. Something that has everyone involved looking toward the future with excitement.
To learn more about how UT partnerships are improving Toledo, call 877-451-2299.
